Silver mountain vole

The silver mountain vole is a captivating small rodent from the Cricetidae family, impeccably adapted to the high-altitude regions of Central and North Asia. These resilient creatures inhabit areas ranging from the Chukchi Peninsula to the Himalayas.

Their classification within the genus Alticola is quite complex. Over time, particularly during the late Pleistocene, various subgenera and evolutionary branches have emerged. This speciation has resulted in noticeable differences in fur color, tail length, and skull shape based on their geographic locations.

These voles inhabit the rugged terrains of the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, often nesting in rocky areas within the alpine biome. Their diet consists of a diverse mix of roots, seeds, and green plants, and their breeding seasons vary depending on the altitude.

However, the silver mountain vole confronts a significant challenge: susceptibility to plague, primarily spread by the marmot flea. This has even led to instances of human plague being reported in Mongolia.